Owens 30 North Auto Repair

05/27/2026

Don't Blow a Gasket!
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

When you head out to your vehicle after it's been parked and notice oil leaking underneath it, that's something to have looked at right away. Oil leaks mean your oil level is probably low, and running a vehicle in that condition can lead to expensive repairs.

While there are many reasons oil leaks develop, one possibility is a bad valve cover gasket. Vehicle engines have a cover bolted over the spot where the engine valves are, and that cover keeps the oil inside the engine. In between the cover and the engine is a gasket that keeps that seal tight. After many years of high engine temperatures and vibrations, that gasket or the bolts that hold on the valve cover can fail or loosen, and oil can leak.

You may see dirty oil on the valve cover in the engine compartment, near the spark plugs, or around the bolts that hold the valve cover on. All those are signs of leakage and time to bring your vehicle in for our technicians to check out.

In some vehicles, taking off the valve cover and replacing the gasket is a relatively easy job. In some models, though, other engine parts are located near that part of the engine and must be removed to get at the gasket, so repair costs can vary widely.

The technician will measure to make sure the valve cover isn't warped so it can be reused. If it is warped, they'll recommend replacing it with the gasket.

While the technician has that area of your engine accessible, they will also check to see if other components need replacing at the same time, which could save you money. Because valve cover gaskets usually fail in older vehicles, the technician will check for other oil leaks then also.

One of the best ways to be sure your valve cover is doing its job is to have your vehicle regularly maintained. The technician will periodically look over your engine compartment and make sure you know when things are showing signs of age and wear BEFORE they fail and leave you stranded.

Give Us a Call

Owens 30 North Auto LLC
3232 MAIDEN LN
MANCHESTER, MD 21102
410.374.1854

05/25/2026

We will be closed today for Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday at 8:00am.
Remember and Honor all who served. 🇺🇸

05/15/2026

Radiator Fans

If you’re old enough, you’ve heard the term “fan belt”. Back in the day the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt driven by the engine. There are still belt driven fans – although most are now driven by the serpentine belt. But most vehicles now have electric fans that draw fresh air across the radiator to cool it.

As coolant/antifreeze circulates in the cooling system it captures heat from the engine and flows into the radiator. Air cools the radiator and the coolant in it before it flows back into the engine to pick up some more heat. Now your engine has an ideal temperature range in which it is most efficient: it shouldn’t be too hot or too cool. The electric radiator fans help maintain the ideal temperature.

A switch mounted in a cooling system passage checks the temperature of the coolant. If the coolant is at the low end of the range, the switch turns off the fan motor. When the coolant rises to a certain temperature, the switch turns on the fan. When you are running the air conditioning, the radiator fan will likely be turned on as well to help reduce the extra engine heat created by the load placed on it by the air conditioner.

A lot of vehicles will have two radiator fans. One or both or neither may be running at any given time depending on the conditions. When you are cruising at highway speeds, the air rushing over the radiator and around the engine will help control the heat. By contrast, stop and go driving around town doesn’t generate much natural air flow so the radiator fans will be working hard.

You may have noticed the sound of the radiator fan running after you turn your vehicle off. This keeps the engine from heating excessively after it has been run and shut off.

Now the radiator fan motors and the switch are wearing items that will eventually fail. If your temperature light comes on while driving, you have a problem with the cooling system. Our service technician can inspect your entire cooling system, including the radiator fans, to determine what is causing the indicator light. Of course, servicing the cooling system as recommended will help extend the life of all the components. Ask our friendly service advisor if you are due for a cooling system service.

Give us a call

Owens 30 North Auto LLC
3232 MAIDEN LN
MANCHESTER, MD 21102
410.374.1854

05/08/2026

TSB, not USB

You probably know that USB is a computer term (it stands for Universal Serial Bus). But do you know what a TSB is? You should, because it could be important for your vehicle.

A TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. Once a new vehicle is introduced and starts being driven by thousands of real-world users, weaknesses in parts or design are revealed. So, automakers send out TSBs, so service technicians will know to look for those problems. A TSB can be issued for things such as a loud noise when the vehicle turns or a minivan power door that won't close properly.

A TSB is not the same as a recall. If a vehicle has a defect that could result in people being hurt or illegal emissions, that vehicle is recalled. The manufacturer must pay for a safety defect to be fixed, usually at a dealership.

When a Technical Service Bulletin is issued, it's an acknowledgment that the vehicle manufacturer has noticed a pattern of something not working the way it should. They also suggest the proper repair to address these known issues. The cost for a TSB is usually only covered by the manufacturer if the vehicle is still under warranty.

If your vehicle is no longer covered by a warranty, but a TSB has been issued on a certain problem, any service facility can perform the service. Ask your Owens 30 North Auto Service Advisor about TSBs that may have been issued for your vehicle. Those TSBs can be helpful for the technician to diagnose any problem you are experiencing. The TSB will also guide the technician on the best repair procedure to get your vehicle working the way it should. We’re committed to maintaining your vehicle’s performance, safety, and fuel economy. Trust your vehicle to US!

Owens 30 North Auto
3232 MAIDEN LN
MANCHESTER, MD 21102
410.374.1854

05/01/2026

04/30/2026

Power Steering Maintenance

Power steering service includes a thorough cleaning of the system and inspection of all the parts. The steering system and the suspension system work in tandem. An alignment service at Owens 30 North Auto also includes an inspection of steering components.

Common Issues and Symptoms:

Whining/Groaning: Often indicates low fluid levels or a failing hydraulic pump.
Stiff Steering: Indicates a loss of assist, often due to electric motor failure or hydraulic pressure loss.
Leaks: Red or brown fluid spots indicate a breach in the hydraulic system.

In addition to protecting parts, properly maintaining your power steering system is necessary for keeping everyone safe — you, your passengers and other drivers on the road.

Give us a call

Owens 30 North Auto LLC
3232 MAIDEN LN
MANCHESTER, MD 21102
410.374.1854

04/20/2026

Trip Inspections at Owens 30 North Auto

Many drivers wonder about how to prepare their vehicle for a trip. That's a big deal. You could be driving through mountains and deserts in some pretty lonely areas so you may be anxious to know that the car is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.

You really do need to plan ahead for a major road trip – there are a lot of things to get ready. Where should you start? You could start with the tires. Look them over for tread wear and check to see that they are properly inflated. Take a quick test drive to see if you can feel any vibrations. Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok?

The next thing is a full service oil change at Owens 30 North Auto to make sure all of your fluids are topped off and you have fresh oil for the trip. And if your vehicle is older, you may consider putting in the high-mileage formulation to clean harmful sludge deposits in the engine. You may also need a new PCV valve and an engine air filter.

How about your transmission and brakes? Have you had your transmission and brakes inspected in the last six months? How are your wiper blades? There's nothing like not being able to get rid of the bug juice on a long road trip. Check your owner's manual for any other recommended service, and have your friendly and knowledgeable pros at Owens 30 North Auto do the multi-point inspection they do so well before you head out.

Consider also having the coolant system serviced, you want to stay within the service recommendations. Drivers who are towing a trailer will want to keep in mind that they'll be going a long way under severe conditions.

Drivers overlook severe conditions like towing, MD summer heat or driving on dirt roads. Plan ahead for your next road trip – at Owens 30 North Auto, we want you to get there and back.

Give us a call.

Owens 30 North Auto LLC
3232 MAIDEN LN
MANCHESTER, MD 21102
410.374.1854

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from all of us here at Owens 30 North Auto. Hope the Easter Bunny was good to you! 🐰🐣🌼

04/01/2026

Happy April! 🌻🌸🌼

04/01/2026

Happy April Fools Day!

Not a prank - mention this post and receive $5.00 off of your service of $50.00 or more.

03/31/2026

Things to Know About the
Cost of Auto Repair

Profit margins in the automotive service industry are a lot narrower than many people imagine. Cars are far more complex, thus the tools and diagnostic equipment are also more complicated and expensive. Diagnosing why your Check Engine light is on may require a machine that costs $18,000. Ask a senior technician how much he/she has invested in tools, initial education and ongoing training.

For example, a carburetor used to be a pretty simple part to maintain and repair. Nowadays, an electronic fuel system repair requires a technician to have a higher level of knowledge and expensive diagnostic equipment to read and interpret the numerous trouble codes. And it doesn't end there. Shops must pay subscription fees for database services to locate and order the right parts. Buying or leasing shop space has risen along with other commercial real estate prices.

All the technology that makes today's cars safer, more reliable, more fuel-efficient, more comfortable, more environmentally-friendly and full of more nifty gadgets comes at a price for drivers, and complying with government regulations tacks on additional costs

Hopefully, today's post sheds some light on the factors that affect your auto repair bill. The team at Owens 30 North Auto believes that quality service performed by veteran technicians saves money in the long run and protects your automotive investment.

Owens 30 North Auto
3232 Maiden Lane
Manchester, MD 21102
410.374.1854